Page 50 of Secret Baby for the Bad Boy

A frightening thought tugs at the edges of my mind—I am in trouble, because this isn't just about desire anymore. I’m falling for this man, and that’s not safe or sane. What am I going to do about it?

“Are you hungry?” Lark asks, breaking the silence once our breathing has returned to normal and our hearts are beating in unison. I love being curled into him, and the past doesn’t hold a candle to what I feel and felt today in his arms.

I nod, feeling a sense of contentment wash over me. “Definitely.”

Lark rises and I regretfully let him go. But he returns a few moments later with a platter of fruits, meats, cheeses and crackers, a bottle of wine, two glasses, and a wine opener. Placing the platter on the lounger, he stretches out on the other side of them, his eyes tracing my face.

I reach for the grapes, plucking them from their stems and popping them into my mouth. They're sweet, bursting with flavor. Lark sits up and uncorks the wine with ease, pouring the drink into our glasses.

“Eat,” he says, pushing the plate of assorted meats and cheeses toward me. I nibble on a cracker topped with a slice of sharp cheddar, savoring the rich taste. “You’ll need your energy,” he says, and I’d swear my heart stops in my chest.

“Everything's delicious,” I murmur, my eyes wandering over the spread.

He smiles, watching me eat and I feel safe, loved, and cared for.

There's an easiness between us, a comfort that shouldn't be there after all these years and yet it is.

“I've been thinking about the future,” I say, hesitant but needing him to understand. “For our son... I want to build something lasting, grow my wealth. Not just for me, but for him.”

Lark nods, his gaze intense. “I get it. I'm aiming for the billionaire mark myself. Five to ten years, that's the goal.”

“More than money, though,” I say, twirling a grape stem in my fingers, “I want to be the kind of mom who's there. To give him a life full of love, the kind I missed out on.”

“That sounds perfect.” He reaches over, his hand covering mine. His touch offers a silent promise of support and I’m grateful.

“And my brother...” I hesitate, but the words need to come out. “He needs me, too. I want to make every day count, infuse it with love. You know?”

“Absolutely.” There's no hesitation in his voice, only conviction.

I look up at him. The warmth in his eyes nearly undoes me. It's a look so tender, so full of emotion, that it steals my breath.

For a moment, I'm lost in that stare, wondering if it's possible that he sees me as more than just a past fling, but as the woman he could love.

Chapter Twenty

Lark

The gymnasium doors swing open and he barrels out, a blur of energy and flushed cheeks. “Dad!” His voice is a bright sound in the cool air.

“Hey, buddy.” I scoop him up in a hug that swallows his small frame. The trust Lara has in me, letting me be here for this, it warms me more than my jacket does.

“Did you see me? I did a handstand!”

“I missed it by a minute, buddy. I’m sorry.” I ruffle his hair, and his grin doesn't waver. He launches into a blow-by-blow account of his day, each word punctuated with the enthusiasm only a child possesses, and I find myself wanting to make sure I don’t miss his next meet.

“Are you hungry?” I ask as his tale winds down and I buckle him into his car seat.

“Starving!” He pats his tummy for emphasis.

“Let's fix that.” I close his door and pull out my phone; one quick call to an old friend who owes me a few favors secures lunch and I slide into the driver’s seat.

As I start the car, Win’s chatter fills the space, his excitement infectious. “Can we get burgers, Dad? With extra fries?”

“Burgers it is,” I say, smiling at his enthusiasm. “And maybe a milkshake, too?”

His eyes light up as they meet mine in the rearview mirror. “Chocolate?”

“Of course,” I reply, pulling out of the parking lot. The drive is short, but Win’s stories make it feel even shorter. He talks about his friends, his favorite games, and the new trick he’s learning in gymnastics that sounds really complicated, yet fun. I love his ability to approach challenges with curiosity and excitement.

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